Question 31

Employees were able to work longer hours.

The invention of the lightbulb by Thomas Edison significantly extended the hours during which employees could work, as artificial lighting allowed businesses to operate beyond daylight hours.

A) Fewer workers migrated to urban areas.

This option is incorrect because the introduction of the lightbulb actually facilitated urban migration. As cities became more illuminated and hospitable for night-time activities, more workers moved to urban areas seeking employment in illuminated factories and businesses.

B) Employees were able to work longer hours.

This option is correct as the lightbulb enabled businesses to extend their operational hours into the night. This not only increased productivity but also allowed for more flexible work schedules, which was a significant shift in the labor landscape.

C) Industrial dependence on steel manufacturing declined.

This choice is incorrect because the lightbulb did not lead to a decline in steel manufacturing. Instead, the demand for steel likely increased due to the growth of infrastructure and construction related to electrification and industrial expansion.

D) Transportation of goods became less expensive.

This option is also incorrect. The invention of the lightbulb did not directly affect the costs of transportation. While it may have improved operational efficiency in various sectors, transportation costs were influenced by other factors such as advances in logistics and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The correct answer is that employees were able to work longer hours, which directly resulted from the widespread use of Edison's lightbulb. Other options fail to accurately reflect the changes brought about by this innovation, as they do not align with the significant shift in labor practices and productivity that followed the introduction of electric lighting.